Matariki: The Māori New Year
Learn all about Matariki and see our events. Matariki is a time to gather with family and friends to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.
Matariki Tamariki TimeHui Tamariki Matariki
He wāhanga tauwhitiwhiti utukore kuhu noa mā ngā nohinohi kei raro i te 5 tau te pakeke. I tēnei marama, ākona a Matariki me te whakatere waka.
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A free, interactive drop-in session for tamariki aged 5 and under. This month learn about Matariki and waka navigation.
When | Āhea
Fri 19 Jun 2026, 10am to 12pm
Where | Ki hea
Rongomaraeroa, the marae, Level 4
Cost | Te utu
Free with museum entry
Age
Tamariki under 5, accompanied by an adult
Accessibility
NZLS Interpteted
Wheelchair accessible
Matariki Herenga Waka, the theme of this year’s celebrations, acknowledges the stories, traditions, and mātauranga carried by waka, and the voyages that bring people together.
In this special Matariki Tamariki Time, learn about whetū and waka voyaging.
Kimihia ngā tohu – find the signs!
A Matariki-themed scavenger hunt where tamariki search for symbols about celestial navigation and waka voyaging. Adventure across the seas and find your way by identifying tohu like currents, dolphins, and islands.
He Hononga Whetū
This match-the-star activity teaches tamariki about celestial knowledge and the Matariki star cluster.
Tamariki must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times.
This event will have NZSL interpretation. A full schedule, including information for Deaf whānau, will be shared soon.
Matariki Whānau Day 2025 Te Papa. Photo by Jo Moore. Te Papa (268687)
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Mānawatia a Matariki
Celebrate Matariki – the beginning of the New Year in Aotearoa New Zealand, marked by the rising of the Matariki star cluster.
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He Hononga Whetū: Kemu Matariki
Download a free set of cards to help learners explore the whetū (stars) of Matariki and their associated domains through play, discussion, and inquiry.
Learning resource
